Doan: We owe the fans an apology

By Vince Marotta | January 7, 2013 at 10:08 pmUPDATED: January 7, 2013 at 10:25 pm

It lasted 113 days, but the latest NHL labor stoppage is over and soon, the defending Pacific Division champion Phoenix Coyotes will take the ice in Glendale for their 16th season in the desert.

Coyotes captain Shane Doan, who signed a new four-year contract to stay in Phoenix the day before the lockout started, says he feels for the fans who were denied their favorite sport.

“I think just a humble apology for everything and that we’re going to do everything we can to earn back their appreciation of the sport,” Doan said when asked about what he’d say to fans.

“There’s no use in saying whose fault it is or who did what, we all owe them an apology.”

In all, the labor stoppage shaved 34 games off of each team’s schedule, meaning the 2013 campaign will be a sprint as opposed to the normal marathon, which creates several challenges according to Doan.

“Getting on the same page, getting everyone back skating again and getting your legs caught up to what a game is like,” Doan said. “That’s going to be interesting and fun, but we’re fortunate we’ve got a great coaching staff and a good group of guys that understand what makes us successful.”